Blackbirds

THE INTERSECTION OF THE ORGANIC AND TECHNICALSOME OF THE VARIED BLACKBIRDS

New World

The New World Blackbird consists of a species of 26 Icterid birds that share the name Blackbird but do not correspond to a given taxon.

The distributions of all species is limited to the Americas, and this group is distinct from the Eurasian Common Blackbird.

-Wikipedia

SR-71

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force. It was developed as a black project in the 1960's by Lockheed and its Skonk Works division. During reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.

The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents, but none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu. Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the YF-12.